New squad numbers toll death knell for N'Zogbia's Villa career

Aston Villa have confirmed the squad numbers for the new season, with the injured Charles N'Zogbia losing his coveted Number 10 and getting a squad number that puts him firmly in the "Bomb Squad".

Andi Weimann is the beneficiary of this, while Benteke will continue in the Number 20 shirt, allowing new face Nicklas Helenius to take on the responsibility of the iconic Number 9.  Darren Bent reverts back to 39, though his move shouldn't be far off now. He is surrounded in the 30s by several other members of the "Bomb Squad" and by Matt Lowton who wears No. 34 by choice.

Gutted to lose my No 9 shirt. Unfortunately one of those things I have to deal with. KTF

— Darren Bent (@DarrenBent) July 24, 2013

Stan Petrov's Number 19 shirt gets a single season retirement while the Number 13 shirt comes out of retirement for new keeper Jed Steer, while it's no surprise that Brad Guzan snaffles the Number 1 shirt.. With no Andy Marshall this season, we were expecting that Benji Siegrist would have got a squad number but he's not on the list released today.

1 Brad Guzan
2 Nathan Baker
3 Joe Bennett
4 Ron Vlaar
5 Jores Okore
6 Ciaran Clark
7 Leandro Bacuna
8 Karim El Ahmadi
9 Nicklas Helenius
10 Andreas Weimann
11 Gabby Agbonlahor
12 Marc Albrighton
13 Jed Steer
14 Antonio Luna
15 Ashley Westwood
16 Fabian Delph
17 Chris Herd
18 Yacouba Sylla
19 Not Available
20 Christian Benteke
21 Jordan Bowery
22 Gary Gardner
24 Aleksandar Tonev
25 Samir Carruthers
34 Matt Lowton
35 Shay Given
36 Charles N'Zogbia
37 Enda Stevens
38 Nathan Delfouneso
39 Darren Bent
40 Stephen Ireland
41 Alan Hutton
42 Barry Bannan

New deal for Weimann, Benteke in talks...

It's widely reported that Aston Villa have to come an agreement with Andreas Weimann and he is set to scribble his moniker on a new three year deal.

The Austrian front-man enjoyed his breakthrough season last term, quickly establishing partnerships with Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor, forming part of a front line which terrorised Premier League defences.

Andi's existing contract had just a year to run, which meant the only real options were a new deal or to cash in on the player before he became eligible for a free transfer.

With Belgium's summer fixtures now done and dusted, talks on a improved deal for Benteke will recommence, though with plenty of time left on his existing deal, the Belgian is likely to remain at Villa Park even if terms on an upgraded contract can't be struck. Paul Lambert will anxious to convince the player that another season at Villa will be beneficial to his ambition to star in the World Cup in Brazil.

Update: Weimann's signing was confirmed on Twitter by the man himself:

I'm really happy to announce that I have just signed a new 3 year contract at Aston villa ! #utv @avfcofficial twitter.com/andiweimann/st…

— Andreas Weimann (@andiweimann) June 10, 2013

The villamad.co.uk 2012/13 Awards

The end of the season and time to hand out the villamad.co.uk end of season gongs:

Player of the Season: Brad Guzan

Where would we be without Bradley? Quite possibly the npower Championship, that's where. Mister Guzan, who we very nearly lost last summer has positively flourished under Mister Lambert and given the standard of the defending in front of him, he's not been  short of opportunities to show just how good he is. He's had to do it under pressure too. Any drop in form and Shay Given would have easily taken his place.

Goal of the Season: Matthew Lowton v Stoke City (Away)

Villa nerves were starting to jangle up in the Potteries as Stoke had just clawed their way back into the game, but Matt's wonder strike did the bizzo and sent the claret and blue travelling faithful into rapturous appreciation. Alan Shearer didn't like it but what does that washed-up goal-hanger know?

Breakthrough Player of the Season: Andi Weimann

Paul Lambert believes in giving a youth a chance and Andi has grabbed his opportunity with both ends, moving from bit-part player to one of the first names on the team sheet. a tireless worker and a natural eye for goal, he has also proved to be a perfect foil for the likes of Gabby and The Beast and become a fan favourite to boot. Top notch.

The Golden Boot: Christian Benteke

Defenders have nightmares about Christian Benteke. Strong, skillful, determined, when he's in the mood he'll cause problems for anyone's back line. We've waited donkey's years for a free flowing striker to keep us on our feet. Let's hope we can keep hold of him for a bit longer.

The Comeback Kid Award: Gabby Agbonlahor

Poor Gabby had seemed a bit lost under Monsieur Houllier and Mister McLeish. Neither really had a clue how to get the best out of him and niggling injuries didn't help. This season, despite competition for places from the likes of N'Zogbia, Bent new boy Bowery, Mister Aston Villa has found his form, scored vital goals and his pace has been a key part in Villa's at times scintillating attack. Welcome back Gabby!

Young Player of the Year: Jack Grealish

If you've not been watching the Under 21s or the Under 19 Next Gen lads, you've been missing out. They play some lovely stuff. Samir Carruthers has come on in leaps and bounds but we're really excited by the potential of Jack Grealish, who could grow into a very promising player indeed. Already when he's combining with the likes of Samir and Daniel Johnson, the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. Take a trip to watch the youngsters next year, it's entertaining football.

The Joy of Six, Villa v Sunderland as it was tweeted...

Villa v Liverpool Easter Sunday

#ShineBrightLikeAWeimann

We loved this hashtag. Just had to get in on the act...

Villa risk fan revolt as Weimann talks stall

Randy Lerner is risking a major revolt amongst Aston Villa fans after contract talks with Andreas Weimann broke down.

The emergence of Austrian international Andi has been one of the few bright spots in a miserable season at Villa Park and Holte Enders will be horrified at the prospect of losing him.

Weimann is rumoured to be on around £15,000 a week but sources close to the player say they are “disappointed” with the fresh terms so far on offer He has around 18 months left on his current deal, but Villa are unlikely to let this run down and lose the talented forward man on a Bosman, so if a deal can't be brokered, his summer exit seems assured, whether or not Villa secure their Premier League status.

Villa boss Paul Lambert remarked “We’re still talking at the minute and seeing how it’s gone on.”

Bradford City v Aston Villa as it was tweeted

Villa goals in Liverpool win

listen to ‘Villa goals in Liverpool win’ on Audioboo

Villa Ciggy Cards: Two goal cup hero Andi Weimann

Auction for Stylian Petrov's Match Boots

Auction for Stylian Petrovs Match Boots if anyone is interested ! Money will go to the charity!! ebay.co.uk/itm/1609382833…

— Andreas Weimann (@andiweimann) December 10, 2012

Villa v Man United as it was tweeted...